Abdi and the Elephants (Paperback)

by Mary W. Gehman (Author)

Editorial Reviews

From School Library Journal
Grade 4-6-Abdi, who lives with his aunt and uncle in a small village in Somalia, falls asleep while watching the goats and awakens to find that a hyena has killed one of the herd. The boy feels that once again he has disappointed his uncle, but he is given good advice from an elderly villager, who reminds him that he must just continue trying to do his best. Some time later, when Abdi takes his turn protecting the village's sesame fields from birds, he cleverly, single-handedly diverts some oncoming elephants, thus preserving the crop. His uncle rewards him by fulfilling his dream: Abdi will be sent to school. In the final portion of the book, his experiences in school and his failures and ultimate successes are chronicled. The mood of this simple chapter book is consistently upbeat; that this boy will prevail is never in doubt. The language is somewhat stilted and formal, but the vocabulary is accessible. Characterization is weak, however, and formula is very much the thing. As a look at the people and village life in Somalia, this title will be a useful curriculum resource. General collections can probably pass on it.
Linda Greengrass, Bank Street College Library, New York City
Copyright 1995 Reed Business Information, Inc.

Card catalog description
Twelve-year-old Abdi lives with his aunt and uncle and helps tend the goats and the crops, but he dreams of going to school and some day having his own farm.

• Reading level: Ages 9-12
  
• Paperback: 104 pages
• Publisher: Herald Press (PA) (March 1995)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0836136993
• ISBN-13: 978-0836136999
• Product Dimensions: 7.6 x 5.2 x 0.3 inches
• Shipping Weight: 4.8 ounces
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• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #2,701,389 in Books (See Bestsellers in Books)
  
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• Also Available in: Hardcover  |  All Editions